On the June 11, 2018, Cedar Key Water and Sewer District monthly board meeting agenda was an interview with Mr. Michael Donohoe for the position of CKWSD general manager. Donohoe is applying for the general manager position currently occupied by John McPherson, who is also the CKWSD General Counsel.

In a June 5, 2018, memorandum to the CKWSD Board Members, McPherson stated that he wishes to terminate his contract with the District as of October 1, 2018. He stated, “…in the light of the current challenges facing the District, the best interests of the District would be served by having a general manager with operational skills an knowledge.” The challenges facing the District involve “getting the most out of the existing water treatment plant while deciding on, and constructing, a new water treatment plant.” He further believes states that, “…it would be best that as a general manager, as their [Mr. McCain, Mr. Quinn, and Mr. Doty] supervisor, have operational skills to help with the particular challenges to be faced over the next few years.”

Donohoe grew up in Gainesville, attended Oak Hall School, and competed in track and field events with Cedar Key School students. Donohoe wishes to be nearer his aging parents who still live in Gainesville. In his attempt to be nearer, he currently works with the Florida Department of Corrections at the Sumter County Correctional Wastewater Plant in Bushnell, Florida, where he operates the prison water treatment plant.

Donohoe’s fifteen-minute self-presentation of his resume and the board members’ fifteen-minute follow-up interview was energetic, thorough, detailed, and personal. Donohoe will submit reference letters to McPherson who will forward them to board members.

At the July CKWSD meeting, Donohoe hopes to return if his current position has no emergency. Then the board will discuss, perhaps finalize, the matter.